Plans for fishing in RB are going to be rough for this weekend.

The wind forecasts are showing a demanding paddle and rough conditions. The stripers tend to like rough water though. Planning on Friday evening it shouldn’t be quite as bad. Then again going out early Saturday morning or just fishing right through. The forecast could change and typically will.

Hope to get some cool photos of the new Cuda and the Big Rig along with some nice fish!

For the local anglers if anyone cares to join up on Friday evening I will be on VHF channel 71. My handle is Yak Chum. Fishing location will be Raritan Bay between Staten Island NY and Keyport NJ region. Hoping to fish the Raritan reach channel. Not sure if I will get out that far though.

Good luck to anyone else fishing this weekend. BE safe and always wear your PFD.

For the past 2 years Jersey Cape Kayak Fishing (JCKF) a New Jersey based kayak fishing club has organized a Jamboree for kayak anglers to get together have fun while camping and fishing the Susquehanna River Delta at the Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace Maryland. The Jamboree’s format is not that of a tournament but much like the boondoggle except an entry fee which supports a roast pig dinner with sides an event shirt and all funds left over benefits Heroes on the Water Chapters of Maryland, Central Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As always there is a few calcutta’s which are voluntary. The class is Striped Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Catfish, and Slam. Longest catch photo release wins entire pot per category.

This year Jim Dolan president of the Heroes on the Water organization joined us. It was an honor to have him spend the weekend with us and also have a few veterans from previous HOW outings join in too.

Fishing was uneventful for most during the event. The photo of Gary ‘Fishenfool’ on the left describes it well! The lack of fish or fish that were feeding was blamed on the amount of water flowing through the Conowingo Dam and as a result the 48 degree water temps on the flats.  It was expected after a cold winter. A few catfish Large Mouth Bass & Small Mouths were reported. Only four total Striped Bass were reported to be caught and released. Although the Calcutta weigh in board stated one cow was 46 inches.  The raffle was immense this year with many sponsors donating product and swag to benefit HOW.

For me it was just relaxing to get out on the water with a fishing rod for the first time this season. Wake up call was at 4 am. Ended up being the first one out of camp as the gate wasn’t even open yet.  On my way to the park where the decision was made to be the launch I made a stop at Royal farms for coffee and ice. Arrived at the ramp around 4:50 and there were a lot of bass boats showing up. Parked close to the boat ramp and begun to gear up the Big Rig. Being this was the first time taking it fishing I had to figure out where all of my gear was to be stored and also attach a few Ram Mounts here and there. It took me about 45 minutes to figure everything out and finally drop into the water. Must say everything went smoothly. Although missing the sun rise was a bummer.

The Torqeedo on the Big Rig performed well for trolling. I did paddle for about an hour though to get used to the size of the Big Rig. It seems the Torqeedo will run all day at slow trolling speeds. I fished from 7 AM til 12 PM and only used 40% of the battery! I need to figure out how to export the GPS tracks on my Lowrance chart plotter. Trolled 2 rods with Xraps Yo Zoris Bombers Ratl Traps you name it. Should have dragged that tube and worm behind me. Two feet of water 10 feet of water marked massive carp in the channels and also saw them jumping.

It was great to see those that fish these events and meet new people as always! Looking forward to the upcoming mid-Atlantic saltwater season. The Striped Bass should be off the shore and in the back bays of New Jersey soon.

Thanks to JCKF for all of the hard work to put this event on in elite style!

Proud to announce my Jackson Kayak Big Rig will be fitted with the state of the art Torqeedo 403 Ultralight Kayak Electric Motor!! Weighing only 16 pounds total it is the top electric motor kayak solution on the market.

I am looking forward to using this setup mainly for HOW outings due to the speed allowing to now shoot more video transport bait resupplies and also carry snacks and drinks to the Veterans.

Adding an electric motor to your kayak may require you to title and register the boat with your states Motor Vehicle Commission.  In some states you must have a boat license or certification to operate a power boat.

I am completely pumped about this new setup. Please check back for my write-up on the install, use, care, and all of the things associated with adding an electric motor to your kayak.